Poppy is a flowering plant that belongs to the Papaveraceae family. There are many different species of poppies, but the most well-known is the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum), which is widely cultivated for its seeds, which are used in cooking and baking, and for the latex that is extracted from the plant's unripe seed pods and used to make opium, morphine, and other drugs. The poppy flower itself is very distinctive and beautiful, with large, showy petals that range in color from white to pink, red, orange, and even purple. The petals are often crinkled or frilled, giving the flower a unique and delicate appearance. The center of the flower is dominated by a large, dark-colored stigma, which is surrounded by numerous stamens bearing yellow or black anthers. In addition to their beauty, poppies have a long and rich cultural history, with associations ranging from remembrance and sacrifice to love and passion. They have been used in medicine, art, literature, and religious and spiritual practices for thousands of years, and continue to be an important and beloved flower in many parts of the world.